• Ph.D., Rhetoric and English, University of Georgia
• M.A., Modern English and American Literature, University of Leicester
• B.A., English, State University of New York City

A glossary is an alphabetized list of specialized terms with their meanings. In a proposition, report, or book , the glossary is usually situated after the conclusion. A glossary is likewise referred to as a “clavis,” which is from the Latin word for “essential.” “A great glossary,” states William Horton, in “e-Learning by Style,” “can specify terms, define abbreviations, and conserve us the shame of mispronouncing the shibboleths of our selected occupations.”

Value of a Glossary

” Since you will have various readers with numerous levels of proficiency, you need to be worried about your usage of modern language (terms, abbreviations, and acronyms). Some of your readers will comprehend your terms, others will not. If you specify your terms each time you utilize them, 2 issues will take place: you will insult modern readers, and you will postpone your audience as they read your text. To prevent these mistakes, utilize a glossary.”

( Sharon Gerson and Steven Gerson, “Technical Composing: Process and Item.” Pearson, 2006)

Finding a Glossary in a Class Paper, Thesis, or Argumentation

” You might require a glossary if your thesis or argumentation (or, in many cases, your class paper) consists of lots of technical terms or foreign words and expressions that might be unknown to your readers. Some universities and departments permit or need the glossary to be put in the back matter, after any appendixes and prior to the endnotes and bibliography or referral list. Put it in the front matter if readers need to understand the meanings prior to they start checking out if you are complimentary to pick. Otherwise, put it in the back matter.”

— Kate L. Turabian, “A Handbook for Writers of Research Study Documents, Theses, and Argumentations, 7th ed.” The University of Chicago Press, 2007

• ” Specify all terms unknown to a smart layperson. When in doubt, overdefining is more secure than underdefining.
• Specify all terms that have an unique significance in your report (‘ In this report, a small company is specified as …’).
• Specify all terms by providing their class and differentiating functions, unless some terms require expanded meanings.
• List all terms in alphabetical order. Highlight each term and utilize a colon to separate it from its meaning.
• On very first usage, put an asterisk in the text by each product specified in the glossary.
• List your glossary and its very first page number in the tabulation.”

— Tosin Ekundayo, “Thesis Book of Tips and Samples: Under & Post Graduate Guide 9 Thesis Format consisting of APA & Harvard.” Idea Press, 2019